Abstract: In sound recording and reproducing apparatus of the magnetic tape type, two pivotal levers of similar form are provided, each with a wing and two guide flanges, arranged in the assembled condition with their guide flanges on a mounting pin and pivotally biased by a torsion spring so that the wings press the magnetic tape against the magnetic heads. Each pivotal lever has an abutment nose which is pressed by the torsion spring surrounding the mounting pin against an abutment surface on the other pivotal lever, such that the two levers, the torsion spring and the mounting pin constitute a group which is a closed system as regards forces and shape. The mounting pin has an intermediate portion of reduced diameter, and the openings in the guide flanges and the torsion spring bear against generally opposite sides of the mounting pin, thus preventing accidental dislodgement of the levers in the longitudinal direction of the mounting pin.